Polymorphonuclear function in naturally occurring renal failure in dogs

Chronic renal failure causes immunosuppression in people and is thought to be one of the causes of non-infectious secondary immunosuppression in dogs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in counts and activity of polymorphonuclears in dogs with chronic renal failure in various stages. Haematological, biochemical examinations and examination of non-specific immune response cells (total and differential leukocyte counts, phagocytosis of methacrylate particles, chemiluminescence test, and level of lysozyme) were performed in blood samples obtained from these dogs. Neutrophilia, lymphopoenia and a decreased number of eosinophils in comparison with healthy control were the main findings in groups with clinical signs. We found the statistically highly significant elevation of lysozyme level; it was in a strong positive correlation with the level of urea, creatinine and phosphorus. We did not find any statistically significant changes in phagocytosis process and other serological factors. In conclusion, despite the reports from human medicine, chronic renal failure in dogs does not alter phagocytosis. From this aspect, the elevation of lysozyme level is the main effect of uraemia.